Highlights

Jewish Women's Impact on Colorado

Since the 19th century, Jewish women have been establishing a legacy of caring in Colorado through their charitable work and social activism.

In 2013, you'll be able to access stories about the impact of Jewish women on Colorado history via the newly digitized files on the Penrose Library's Academic Commons website.

Rebecca Gratz: Advocate for the poor and mistreatedConsidered the foremost American Jewish woman in the 19th century, Rebecca Gratz devoted her life to confronting and overcoming the personal challenges she faced as a Jew and a member of one of Philadelphia's most prominent families.She inspired other charitable women around the country by founding the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society, the first Jewish charity in the United States unaffiliated with a synagogue. She also founded the Hebrew Sunday School Society.

Clara Goldsmith: First Denver-born Jewish womanIn 1860, Clara Goldsmith became the first Jewish woman born in Denver. Her father came to Denver as one of the 1859ers—a group of men who migrated West in search of gold.

Delphine Cohen: Founder and president of the Hebrew Ladies' Benevolent SocietyIn 1872, When Delphine Cohen founded the Hebrew Ladies' Benevolent Society for the less fortunate, she became the first Jewish woman in Denver to hold office in a business or organization.

Shana Mabovitch Korngold: Denver-based sister of Israeli Prime Minister Golda MeirBefore Golda Meir became prime minister of Israel, she made her home in Denver, where her older sister, Shana Mabovitch Korngold, lived with her husband. Shana was among many patients treated at National Jewish Hospital, and later, the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society.